A man is in hospital after he was knocked down by a bus as he fled a gang of attackers.

The victim, 26, of Newcastle's west end, suffered head and internal injuries.

Although his injuries are not life-threatening, doctors are assessing his condition at Newcastle General Hospital.

Police are appealing for witnesses to contact them.

It was one of several unconnected acts of violence involving victims being targeted in Newcastle's west end over the Easter weekend.

In the bus incident, the driver rang for an ambulance to help the injured man.

Acting Det Insp Paul Makepeace said: "The victim had been walking in Studley Terrace at around 9.30pm when he was confronted by one youth.

"An assault took place and then two or more youths surrounded the victim. He then fled as he was outnumbered and feared he would suffer a further attack. We believe he ran into a bus while trying to escape."

It is not clear whether his whole body went under the wheels or his injuries were caused on impact with the bus in the Brighton Grove area of Arthur's Hill. Police said there appears to be no apparent motive for the assault.

A gang of up to seven youths are also being hunted after an 18-year-old was smashed in the face with a hammer.

The robbers left him needing hospital treatment for a broken nose, cuts and bruises in the savage attack at 8.30pm on Good Friday.

The victim had been confronted in Hodgkin Park in the west end by a number of youths who demanded his mobile phone. He was attacked and passed out when he was struck in the face with a hammer. His phone was stolen.

And in another robbery in Brunel Terrace, three youths on bikes attacked a 17-year-old at around 3.30pm on Saturday. The youths, aged 16 to 17, wore Berghaus-style jackets and one a Burberry-style cap.

A 21-year-old was also stabbed in the leg during an assault outside the Portland Arms pub, Elswick, at 6.45pm.

NAnyone who has information about any of the attacks is asked to ring Newcastle west end CID on (0191) 214 6555.